Spirit of Cricket award for Flintoff

Andrew Flintoff consoles Brett Lee after England win the second Ashes Test © Getty Images

Andrew Flintoff was presented with a special MCC Spirit of Cricket award at the National Television Awards in a ceremony held at The Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday night and to be broadcast on ITV 1 this evening.

Flintoff received the engraved Waterford Crystal bowl from Sir Trevor McDonald, the host of the awards ceremony, who told the audience that the prize was being awarded “in recognition of your outstanding sportsmanship during the Ashes series”.

MCC’s Secretary & Chief Executive, Roger Knight, said: “MCC is delighted to give this award to Andrew who has shown that you can play hard but fair, respect the opposition and umpires and still produce match-winning performances against some of the very best players in world cricket.

“Andrew’s exemplary conduct was a real highlight of this memorable summer - his gesture towards Brett Lee at the end of the dramatic Edgbaston Test match perhaps being the greatest example.

“He is a great role model for all cricketers and MCC hopes that his conduct inspires the next generations of players.”

Flintoff is only the third recipient of an MCC Spirit of Cricket special award – and the first Englishman to receive one. Jimmy Adams (West Indies) and Steve Waugh (Australia) - who captained their countries at the time - were honoured in 2000 and 2003 respectively.